Best hair color at home 2021: pro tips and products

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Coloring your hair at home can be daunting, but the reality is, it’s quite easy once you know what you’re doing. Whether it is about covering gray tones, giving natural colors a little boost or going all out with a fun fashionable color, we have been advised by some master colorists.

If this is your first time dyeing your own hair, Megan Graham, owner and master colorist at Megan Graham Beauty in Boston, has a few quick tips. “Be sensible,” she says. “At home, it is possible to stay within two shades of your natural color. A big color change is left to the professionals. ”

And those who have a good relationship with their colorists should reach out and ask for directions. They may be able to help you match your color based on their knowledge of your custom mix and advise you on how to manage the process.

Coloring your own hair and covering the roots of your hair is easier than you think, even if you’ve never done it at home. Miguel Angarita, master colorist at Oscar Blandi Salon in New York City, gave some advice. “If you only apply the paint to the visible areas, errors are minimized and you won’t be overwhelmed,” he says. “So just apply the part and the hairline. Don’t apply permanent paint to the ends of your hair. This can darken or flatten the ends. ”

Another important tip? Follow the instructions on the letter. “Any brand can be sure, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do a patch test to rule out color allergies,” says Graham.

L’Oréal Paris Feria Versatile Shimmer Permanent Hair Color ($ 19.64; amazon.com)

If you want to go with a salon color this is the L’Oréal Paris Feria Line offers a rich color with great definition. The line has a wide variety of shades of red and is worth a look if you’re struggling to match your salon red. Other colors may also be available at Aim for $ 9.99.

Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Cream ($ 7.69; target.com)

This gentle hair color series consists of a mixture of avocado, shea and coconut oils and has 45 colors and is suitable for every budget.

Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Hair Color ($ 6.99; target.com)

With 24 color options, this Clairol Color Cream is another effective and affordable option for permanent color. In addition, conditioners are built into every step to keep your hair soft and shiny.

A semi-permanent paint can last around six weeks if used and cared for properly. “Buy more hair color than you think you need,” says Graham. “The amount of paint in a store-bought kit is usually very small.”

Give yourself time too. “Allow plenty of time and be patient,” she says. “Let the color work long enough, because the right processing ensures beautiful results. Don’t wash your hair the day you want to dye it. Your scalp will thank you! ”

Clairol Natural Instincts ($ 6.99; target.com)

This box color has been a favorite for years, and it’s no surprise as the ammonia-free formula leaves hair shiny and healthy without the look of too much color. The line has a wide range of hues so matching your hair color shouldn’t be difficult.

If you are just bored with your look and you want a drastic, colorful change, but not one that lasts forever, says Angarita, “then a gloss, semigloss or semipermanent is recommended.”

Good Dye Young Semi-Permanent Hair Color ($ 18; sephora.com)

When freshening up a fashion color, this line has solid choices including pinks, purples, greens, and bright reds. These semi-permanent colors are rich in pigment that will add value to your hue.

DpHue Gloss + Semi-Permanent Hair Color and Deep Conditioner ($ 35; sephora.com and dermstore.com)

This gloss collection is designed to highlight your natural color or refresh an existing color and add dimension and shine to your look. It’s packed with conditioner to keep your hair soft and shiny.

Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Cream ($ 11.63, originally $ 14.99; amazon.com)

This classic line has had fashionable colors since the 1990s and is a great bargain for under $ 15. The first time you use it be sure to have an old towel handy as the paint can get anywhere.

Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Dye Semi-Permanent Hair Color ($ 16; nordstrom.com)

In colors like sky blue and purple, this charmingly packaged hair dye will leave a light splash of color on your hair.

Rita Hazan Root Concealer Touch Up Spray ($ 12; sephora.com or $ 25; dermstore.com)

This celebrity-loved line from colorist Rita Hazan is the best spray root concealer on the market. If you’re nervous about coloring your own roots, this spray is a great option. All you need to know is that it will wash out, so it will require daily application.

Oribe Airbrush Root Touch Up Spray ($ 34; dermstore.com)

Beloved by the beauty community for years, this touch-up product sprays microfine pigments to match black, blonde, dark brown, or light brown hair.

Clairol Root Touch-Up Permanent Hair Color Kit ($ 7.99; target.com)

For a permanent base color, this main Clairol element includes a brush for super easy application and offers a wide range of colors to ensure you find your match.

Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Cream ($ 7.69; target.com)

This option from Garnier is one of our tips for permanent hair color and is also great for coloring blonde hair.

L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanente Hair Color ($ 9.24, originally $ 9.99; amazon.com)

This fade-resistant permanent color from L’Oréal is another solid choice for blonde hair because of its long-lasting color and shine.

L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up Gray Concealer Spray ($ 9.99; target.com)

Another drugstore spray, this fan favorite, is available in nine shades.

Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color Permanent Hair Dye (from $ 2.55; amazon.com)

This permanent dye from Revlon promises 100% gray coverage, is ammonia-free and available in 41 colors.

L’Oréal Paris Frost & Design ($ 10.35; amazon.com)

For precise, professional looking highlights, this kit from L’Oréal is a must have. A top cap is included to prevent accidental spills and drips.

L’Oréal Paris Feria Highlighting Kit ($ 16.99; amazon.com)

This highlighting set from L’Oréal comes with a clamping brush that you can use to easily apply highlights to small strands of hair.

New AF Cups and Brushes ($ 7.99; arcticfoxhaircolor.com)

A bowl for your hair dye and a brush (great for roots) to apply gently, all in a sweet lime green color.

Hair Dye Kit ($ 10.99; amazon.com)

If you’re looking for highlights, this kit has all of the tools you need, including flip caps to pull your selected soon-to-be-highlighted hair through, styling tools, disposable scarves and gloves.